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While Hijikata is away on a mission, Tetsu seems rather depressed, aside from a martial arts competition is underway. During a footrace outside, in which Shinpachi takes the lead, Okita finds Tetsu inside the dojo, and the two decide to spar against each other. When Tetsu asks Okita the reason why one takes up the sword to become stronger. Okita responds by saying that reason may differ for each person, whether silly or terrible, though Tetsu falls asleep when this was said. Yamanami wins the footrace by using abacuses as roller skates, being awarded a pot of rice as the prize. Okita invites a group of children for the melee competition in the afternoon. Saya, among the children, comes to apologize to Tetsu, and the two then reconcile. Tetsu says that even though he will have his worries, he promises not to sadden Saya while dedicating himself to become stronger.